Overview:

This lesson focuses on the structure of federalism and the functions of each branch and level of government.

Conceptual Statement(s): These are generalizations that are true in all social studies courses

1. The federalist system divides responsibilities between federal, state, county, and city governments and amoung each of their branches

Enduring Understanding(s): What do I want students to remember 10 years down the road?

1. The function of each level and branch of government and the conflict involved in checks and balances.

Essential Questions: Content specific but tied to the Enduring Understanding and to the

Lesson Resources:
Lesson Ideas:
Research prior to completing lesson

1. Students research their representatives in city, county, state, and federal governments. Searching for people in each of the three branches of government. Students fill in googledocs spreadsheet until each position is found.
2. Students creates a googledocs form, questions include title, name, level of government, location, and description of the types of issues currently working on.
3. Students are assigned a person or people on the list to contact and ask to complete the googledocs form. In addition to their representatives, they will contact people outside texas to complete the form.
4. Ask interviewees to make a brief video of their roles and responsibilities. Students can inservice contact on various methods of video to use.
5. Students use form spreadsheet information and videos to create a presentation showing the similarities and differences between the various branches and levels of govenment. Students have choice of media.